India | India AI Summit 2026: Global Leaders Attend, UPI One World Pilot Live
Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy
Quick summary
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is currently underway in New Delhi, drawing global participants, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Concurrently, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a pilot for its 'UPI One World' wallet service to facilitate seamless digital payments for international delegates.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is currently underway in New Delhi, attracting global participation, including French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, a flagship global gathering hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission, is being held from to , at Bharat Mandapam.
Alongside the summit, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a pilot of its 'UPI One World' wallet service for international delegates, enabling them to make seamless digital payments in India without requiring an Indian mobile number or bank account.
Summit Highlights and Global Participation
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on , brings together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and creators from India and abroad. French President Emmanuel Macron is among the global leaders scheduled to attend the event. The summit is expected to host delegates from over 40 countries, showcasing India's growing influence in shaping AI policy and innovation.
Introducing UPI One World for Delegates
The 'UPI One World' wallet service, extended by NPCI for international visitors, allows inbound foreign travellers to perform real-time Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions across India. This pilot initiative is available to delegates from over 40 countries attending the summit.
The service simplifies digital payments by eliminating the need for an Indian mobile number or a domestic bank account. Delegates can load the rupee-denominated prepaid wallet with up to ₹50,000 using international debit or credit cards and make payments by scanning UPI QR codes via a PPI-UPI application. Any unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source as per foreign exchange regulations.
Significance for Digital Payments Ecosystem
The 'UPI One World' pilot aims to provide foreign guests with a convenient way to experience India's real-time payments ecosystem and 'Made in India' technology. According to Sohini Rajola, Executive Director – Growth, NPCI, UPI is the world's largest real-time payment system, and this initiative offers a glimpse into how smoother cross-border payment systems can support a more connected global digital economy.
The wallet is accessible through authorised PPI (Prepaid Payment Instrument) issuers at New Delhi International Airport and the NPCI Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam.
Key Takeaways
- The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is ongoing in New Delhi, featuring global participation, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a pilot of its 'UPI One World' wallet service for international delegates.
- This service enables delegates from over 40 countries to make UPI payments in India without needing an Indian mobile number or bank account.
- Delegates can load the wallet with up to ₹50,000 using international cards and utilize UPI QR codes for transactions.
People Also Ask
- What is the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a global gathering hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi from to , focusing on artificial intelligence.
- Who are some of the key attendees at the summit?
The summit is attracting global participation, including French President Emmanuel Macron, and is expected to host leaders and delegates from over 40 countries.
- What is UPI One World?
UPI One World is a pilot wallet service launched by NPCI for international delegates at the India AI Impact Summit, allowing them to make UPI payments in India.
- How does UPI One World benefit international delegates?
It enables international delegates to make seamless UPI payments across India without requiring an Indian mobile number or a domestic bank account, simplifying transactions during their visit.
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